Air cell expansion joint



Oct. 4, 1932.

H. B. BLECK 1,880,725

,AIB CELL 'EXPANSION JOINT Filjeid Feb. 10, 1930 i2 Sheets-.Sheet 2 Wem@ 5.55306.

Patented Oct. 4, 1932 HENRY B. IEBLECK, OF WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS AIR CELL EXPANSION JOINT Application led February 10, 1930. Serial N o. 427,161.

This invention relates to an improved type of air cell expansion joint for use in concrete roads, bridge slabs, pavements, tanks, reservoirs, or the like, to compensate for eXpansion or contraction of materials resultingr from changes of temperature.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved type of air cell expansion joint comprising spaced walls or plates adapted to be connected by eXpansible members to permit expansion or contraction of' the material in which the air cell expansion joint is embedded.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an improved type of air cell expansion joint wherein boards or plates are spaced to provide an air chamber therebetween, with said boards orl plates connected by meansof an eXpansible channel constructed for the removable receptionof a wedge plug adapted eventually to be removed to afford a groove or pocket for the reception of a mastic expansion material.

It is a further object ofrtjhis invention to provide an improved type Vof air cefll eXpansion joint for use in concrete pavements and the like, said joint consisting of spaced plates or boards spaced from one another to provide an air chamber therebetween, with the lower portions of the plates or. boards connected by spacers, while the upper portions of the space boards are connected by means of an eXpansible bulb channel adapted initially for the reception of a removable wedge plug which is eventually removed to provide an extension groove above the chamber provided by lthe bulb channel for the receptionof a filling of expansion material adapted to expand and contract with the movements of the expansion-joint plates or boards toward or away from one another due to the expansion and contraction of the material in which the air cell expansion joint is mounted. J

It is furthermore an object of this invention to provide animproved type of air cell expansion joint for concrete road work and the like, said oint consisting of spaced plates connected at their upper margins by means of a bulb channelwhich is normally closed proper operation of the expansion joint and by means of a removable wedge plug which, after the pouring and initial finishing of concrete, is removed to afford a bulb groove for the reception of an expansion material adapted to fill the expansion channel bulb andv the space formed by the removed plug. v

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved type of air cell eXpansion joint, adapted for various uses, embracing spaced, flanged plates or boards provided with an air chamber therebetween, with said anged platesor boards connected at their longitudinal margins by connecting means permitting the boards forming the joint to be moved toward or away from one another to compensate for the expansion or contraction of the material in which the improved air cell expansion joint is embedded.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved type of air'cell expansion joint wherein the flanged lower margins of a pair of spaced plates or boards are joined by spacing or connecting means, while the upper longitudinal margins of said boards or plates arel connectedv by expansible means adapted to carry'a removable plug member during the pouring of concrete or the like on opposite sides of the expansion joint,with said plug being constructed to facilitate removal thereof to provide a groove extending downwardly into said expansible channel toy receive a filling of a -mastic eXpansible material which will not interfere with -the which will serve as a protection against watery or other foreign material which might enter the space. to hinder the proper operation of the expansion joint. i

It is an important object of this invention 90 to provide an improved simplified form of air cell eXpansion jointradapted to be constructed of spaced plates or boards constructed of selected material and connected by eX- pansible means, one of which is adapted for the normal reception of a removable wedge plug which is maintained in position during" the pouring of concrete orother material around the expansion joint to cause a suitable `groove to be formed above the joint after the "1 wedge plug has been removed, so that the groove may be filled with a plastic or mastic` material which will operate with the operation of the expansion joint and will afford a protecting means therefor.

yOther and further important objects of this invention will be apparent from the disclosures of the specification .and the accompany! ing drawings.

This invention (in a preferred form) is illustrated in the drawings and hereinafter more fully described.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an improved air cell expansion joint embodying theprinciples of this invention and illustrating the removable wedge plug in dotted lines.

Figure 2 is a transverse section of the eX- pansion joint and wedge plug embedded in a concrete road structure.

Figure 3 is ay similar transverse section o`f the expansion joint with the wedge plug removed, and illustrating a filling of mastic material in the grooveabove the expansion joint- Figure 4 illustrates a similar sectional view of a modified form of pavement joint..

. provided with a filler and with a removable fiber board. or other suitable material, and,

wedge plug device.'

Figure 5 'illustrates a transverse section of anothermodified form of air cell expansionV jointhaving an expansion cylinder or spring ring mounted thereinbeneath an. installing wedge and a filler.l

Figure 6-is a transverse sectional view of another modified form of air cell expansion joint adapted for use between bridge slabs.

Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of another modified form of expansion joint adaptelli for use in connection with tanks or the li e.

As shown on the drawings:

The reference numeral 1 indicates a concrete road sub-grade which affords a support for concrete slabs or road sections 2. An expansion space is provided between the con-` crete sections or slabs 2 and is produced by an improved air cell expansion joint.

In the form of expansion joint illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive.` the joint comprises a pair of walls or plates 3 constructed of asbestos cement composition board. pressedv spaced from one another 'to provide anj-air. cell chamber 4 therebetween.` l

The walls or plates 3 are connectedto on'e`A kanotherat spaced intervals by means of to the respective walls s' by means Orrior other suitable 'means'. L

flanged spacers vor separators 5. the flanges of.

whi'cdare apertured and project in opposite d1rections-toperm1t the flanges tojbef secured Each of the walls 3 isprovidedvwitlr Each of the plates or walls 3 has integrally formed at right angles along the lower longitudinal margin thereof a foot flange 9f provided at spaced intervals stakepockets or openings for the reception of pressed steel f lower ends of the spaced walls 3, are adapted to KK be rigidly connected together at spaced intervals by means of a plurality of spacer plates or bottom strips 11, which are riveted or otherwise secured to the flanges 9. As

illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the bottom strips 11 are positioned to seat inthe sub` grade -1 so that the bottom surfaces of the flanges 9- are substantially positioned in the plane of thejtop surface of the sub-gradey 1.

Each of the walls 3 has a longitudinal section thereof bent or formed to provide an arcuate o-r curved channel l2 a short distance below the upper longitudinal margin or edge of the wall, with the conveX- portion of the bead or channel 12 directed outwardly. The two outwardly curved channels or beads 12 of the walls 3 are positioned opposite one another to provide an enlarged chamber sec tion for the reception of an enlarged, rounded expansion bulb -channel or open Ipipe section 13 which forms the lower portion'of a channel socket having a pair of side walls or flanges 14 which are integral with the longitudi'nalmargins of the bulb section 13. The

outer margins of the socket flanges or'plates 14 are bent outwardly and then downwardly to form channel hooks 15 which are seated or hooked over the upper longitudinal edges of the Walls 3 to hold the sockets supported in position between the upper margins of the Walls 3, as clearly illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive. v I

For the purpose of forming a groove between the concrete road sections or slabs 2 above the air cell expansion joint, a long wedge plug has the body portion 16 thereof tapered or wedge-shapedand engaged downwardly between the socket walls 14 to project into the bulb 13, as illustrated in Figure 2. Integrally formed on the upper end v ledges of the concrete slabsto be rounded to form the mouth'bf thei lgroove between the concrete sections. .Thehead 17 of the wedge l plug is providediwith-a plurality of spaced hook pockets 19 fprovi ;ded for the reception 4 l'ofv'liook members vwhen itis desired to re- .Infovethe wedge plug 'from its'engagement :.{betweenthe walls 4 14 of thesckets and beor more openings or apertures I to 'permita dowelbar 8 to be projected therethrough.'

ingof. concrete.

After the concrete has been poured andis .permitted to set the required amount, hooks are engaged in the hook pockets 19 of the Wedge plug and the wedge plug is pulled out of the sockets provided in the upper end of the air cell expansion joint. This removal of the Wedge plug from the space between the concrete slabs providesa channel or groove with tapered side walls, and with rounded upper surfaces for the reception of asphalt or mastic expansion material which is poured into the groove to provide an expansible and contractible filler 2O which not only fills the-groove but also fills the chamber provided by the expansion socket and the bulb channel forming a part thereof. The material filling the socket bulb channel forms an enlarged lower portion or retaining bead for locking the filler in posi-v tion against upward movement .out of the socket. The filler 20 provides an expansible and contractible protecting medium for the air cell expansion joint embedded in the concrete.

Figure 4 illustrates a modified form of air .cellexpansion joint of a construction sub- V-stantially the same as that illustrated and Y describedinv connection with Figures l to 3, inclusive, and the like parts kare designated -by corresponding reference numerals. In

- this form of the' device, a bond rib 21 is integrally formedfon the eXterioror convexA surface of eachyof the beads or channels l2.

The 'bulb channel 13 is adapted to have a sponge rubber orcompositi-on elastic filler 22 engaged therein. l

The upperor mouthyportion of the socket is engaged between the upper margins of the "lexpansion jointwalls and has a temporary wedge plug 23 engaged thereinuntil-after the concrete has beenpoured to embed the air cell expansion joint to separate sections of the concrete road. After the concrete has been permitted tov setv the required amount,

- the wedge plug-23 is adaptedI to be removed to provide a' rounded, tapered groove for the Y.

reception of a filler of a plastic lor mastic expansion material4 similar to the filler 20 ,illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates another modified form of air cell expansion joint adaptedfor use in the formation of concrete roads and the' like wherein two concrete sections 2 are separated-by vmeans of the modified formyof eX- pansion joint which .is adapted to be seated upon the sub-grade l1 prior to the time that the concrete is poured to form the sections 2. The lmodified form of expansion joint comprises `a pair ,of apertured walls or plates 24 which'fare spaced from one another to provide anair cell chamber 25 therebetween. Dowel bars 26 are adapted to project through the openings in the walls 24 and are embedded in the concrete 2 as illustrated. The walls 24 are provided with foot flanges 27 which are connected by means of base plates or connecting strips 28. Spikes or stakes 29 are used and are projected through openings provided in the foot flanges 27 to hold the air cell eX- pansion joint secured in position on the road sub-grade. The walls 24 are provided with arcuate sections or curved channels 30 which l are positioned opposite one another to provide an enlarged rounded or cylindrical chamber between the walls for the reception of a spring cylinder or flexible sprin roll 31, one longitudinal margin of which has integrally formed thereon a mounting flange 32 which is properly apertured to receive rivets for rigidly securing the ange against the inner surface of one of the walls24. Deposited in the space immediately above the spring cylinder 31 and between the upper margins of thel walls 24 is an expansion material filler 33.

Integrally formed on the upper marginal edge of each of the Walls 24 is an outwardly directed flange 34 provided with oval or elongated apertures or openings for the reception of lugs 35 which are integrally formed onarms 36 which project outwardly from the upper portion of a removable wedge plug 37.

The plug 37 is positioned directly above the filler 33 and is eventually adapted to be removed after the concrete has set, to provide an opening for the reception of an asphaltic filler. j

Figure 6 illustrates another modied form of air cell expansion joint of a type adapted to be used'in bridge construction work between bridge'slabs or sections 38, which are constructed of concrete and are deposited upon a wooden flooring or foundation 39. The modified form of expansion joint for 'lOl bridge construction work comprises a palr of walls or plates 40 spaced from one another to provide anair chamber 41 therebetween. Thejwalls 40 are provided with apertured foot flanges 42 which 'rest upon the flooring. I

or foundation 39 Va-nd are secured thereto by meansof nails 43 or the like.

Integrally formed on the upper edges or margins'of the walls 40 are upper flanges 44 which are provided with apertures of oval or elongated shape for the reception of lugs or pins 45 which are integrally formed on connectors or spacer plates. 46 which are supported on the top flanges 44'a`cross the space between the-walls '40. j

Figure 7 illustrates a modified form of air A 1ers.

tegrally formed on the outer longitudinal The inner longitudinal margin of each of the walls 48 is bent outwardly at an angle to provide a flange 54. Engaged between the inner ends of the walls 48 is a socket 55 provided with a ribbed bottom 56.v Integrally formed with the outer margins of the socket walls are channel-shapedv covers or caps 57 which are engaged over the flanges 54 of the walls 48 and have outer platesf58 integrally formed thereon and disposed against the Aouter surfaces of the walls 48.

Integrally formed at substantially right angles to the outer plates 58 are wing plates 59 which may be either corrugated or plain and are adapted to be constructed of sheet copper or other, suitable material. A filler 60 of mastic material is adapted to lbe deposited in the socket 55 to complete the form- -ing of the waterproof expansion joint.

It will, of course, be understood that many i details of construction may be varied through a Wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and-it is, therefore, not purposed to limit the patent granted hereon otherwise. than necessitated by the scope of the appended claims. 1 I claim as my invention: e s

l. An expansion joint for concrete roads and the like comprising a pair ofwalls, having openings therein for thereception of dowel bars, means for oining the upper edges' of said walls, spacers connected between the lower portions of said walls to hold the walls in spaced relation, and apertured flanges integrally formed on the lower edges of said walls to afford supports therefor and adapted to receive stakes for rigidly securing the lwalls in position. f

2. All expansion joint for concrete roads and thelike comprising a pair of spaced walls, having apertures therein for the reception of dowel bars, means for joining the upper edges of said walls, apertured flanges integrally formed on the lower edges of said walls to afford supports therefor, stakes engaged through the apertured flanges for securing the walls in position, spacers positioned between and connected to said walls,`

. and connecting plates disposed beneath said flanges and seciigred thereto. l l

3. An expansionjoint for concrete roads andthe like comprising a pair of walls, meansfor joining the upper edges of said walls, spacers rigidly secured to said walls and connecting the same, and flanges integrally formed on the bottom edges of said walls to afford a stand therefor.

4. An expansion joint comprising a pair of walls, spacers connecting said walls to hold the same in spaced relation, apertured flanges integrally formed on the bottom edges of said walls to afford stands therefor, plates rigidly connecting said flanges, and means for jo ning the upper edges of said walls.

5. An expansion joint comprising a pair of walls, connectors disposed between said,

walls tol hold the same in spaced relation, apertured flanges integrally formed on the lower edges of said walls to afford a support therefor, stakes engaged through said apertured flanges to secure thde expansion joint in position, plates connecting the flanges of said walls, and socket means connecting the top edges of said walls and permitting the upper edges of said walls to be moved toward or away from one another.

6. An expansion joint comprising a pair of spaced apertured walls adapted to have dowel bars projected therethrough, spacers disposed between said walls and connecting the lower portions thereof, flanges integrally formed on the \lower edges of said walls,

plates rigidly connecting said flanges, socket i means engaged over the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, and wedge means removably engaged l in said socket means. v-

7. An expansion joint comprising a pair of walls, spacers connecting said walls at spacedintcrvals to hold the same in spaced y relation, a socket engaged over the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, and wedge means removably engaged in said socket.

8. An`expansion joint comprisinga pair of flanged walls, platesk .connecting said flanged walls, 'spacers engaged between said walls and connected thereto to hold the same in spaced relation, a socket engaged on the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, and wedge means removably engaged in said socket and adapted eventually to` be removed to permit a .filling of a mastic material `to be engaged in the groove formed by the removed wedge means.v

9. Anvexpansion joint'comprising a pair of flangedt walls, spacers connectingy said walls to hold the saine in spaced relation, said walls having portions of the upper; part thereof deflected outwardly toprovide an enlarged section, a socket engaged over the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, said sockets. having an enlarged bulb-like section disposed in the space pro- .vided inthe enlarged section formed between said walls, a recessed plug removably engaged in said socket to permit a groove to be formed in concrete in which the expansion joint is embedded, and a lling of plastic material adapted to be deposited in the groove and in said socket when the recessed plug is removed from said socket.

10. An expansion joint comprising a pair of flanged walls, spacers disposed between said walls and connecting the same, socket means engaged on said walls and projecting therebetween, a removable wedge member engaged in said socket during the embedding of the expansion joint in concrete to form a groove in the concrete above said socket when the wedge member is removed, and a iiller of plastic material engaged in the groove and iilling said socket, said filler formed with an enlarged lower portion to hold the filler locked in position. f

11. An expansion joint comprising a pair of walls, means connecting the walls and holding the same in spaced relation from one another, channels formed lin said walls and providing an enlarged section therebetween, a socket engaged over the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, said socket having an enlarged bulblike section positioned in the enlarged section between said channels, a wedge member removably engaged in said socket and adapted eventually to be removed to provide a groove in the concrete in which the expansion joint is adapted to be imbedded, and a filler of mastic material adapted to be poured into the groove and into the socket after the wedge member has been removed.

12. An expansion joint comprising a pair of apertured walls adapted to have dowel bars projected therethrough, means for holding said walls in spaced relation with respect to one another, a socket engaged over the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, said socket having an enlarged bulb-like section forming the lower portion thereof, and a filler of mastic material engaged in the socket and projecting out of the top thereof into a groove provided between concrete. sections in which the expansion joint is embedded, said filler filling the enlarged bulb-like section of said socket to hold the iller locked in position against upward movement out of said socket.

13. An expansion joint comprising a pair of fianged plates, spacers connecting the plates and holding the same in spaced relation to provide an air cell therebetween, an expansible socket engaged over` the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, a Wedge plug removably engaged in said socket and projecting thereabove to provide a tapered groovein concrete in which the expansion joint is embedded, and a filler of mastic material adapted to be poured into said groove after the wedge plug has been removed, said filler formed with an enlarged lower portion to hold the filler locked in position.

14. An expansion joint comprising a pair of walls, spacers connecting the same, said walls having portions thereof extended outwardly` to provide an enlarged section, a socket engaged on the upper edges of said walls and projecting downwardly therebetween, said socket having an enlarged bulblike section disposed in the enlarged section provided between said Walls, a wedge plug removably engaged in said socket during the time that the expansion joint is embedded in concrete to form a tapered groove in the concrete, and a filler of mastic material poured into the groove and into said socket after the wedge plug has been removed, said filler filling the enlarged bulb-like section to form a retaining means for holding the filler against upward movement out of said socket.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Chicago, Cook County,

Illinois.

- HENRY B. BLE CK. 

